Winter driving checklist: The essential items for your car's boot

Winter is well and truly upon us as the dark nights roll in and the weather warnings come thick and fast.

As we all know the British weather can be unpredictable so it's best the be prepared just in case.

As temperatures start to plummet in Yorkshire, weather forecasters have predicted we could start to see snow showers and icy conditions from this week.

Traffic conditions often worsen during bad weather, being prepared means if your car gets stuck in a spot of bother the contents of your boot might just save the day.

As the saying goes, 'if you fail to prepare then prepare to fail'. Take a minute to de-clutter the boot and fill it with these items that will prove essential in a breakdown or if you get stuck in snow or ice.

Warm Clothing

We've all been there, stuck on a tail backed M62 due to a broken down vehicle, the petrol is running on the low side so you can't keep the engine on for warmth.

Keeping a bag of warm clothing items in your car during winter might just save the day. You just never know when you might need them.

Include a blanket, gloves, thick socks, scarf, hat, warm coat, reflective jacket and a foil/emergency blanket.

De-icing Equipment

There's nothing more annoying when you're already running late in a morning to be greeted with an iced over car and having nothing but a credit card or a discarded old letter in the car to try and desperately scrape it off with.

Be prepared by always keeping an ice scraper and de-icer in the car. It will save you so much time and stress.

Emergency Equipment

It is a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your boot in case of emergencies all year round. But when it comes to driving during winter, it's important to be prepared for the worst.

Your emergency equipment should include the following -

• First aid kit - It's a good idea to have a First aid kit in your car at all times during the year.
• Warning triangle - to warn other vehicles that you are ahead if you have broken down
• Spare bulbs - your car lights are so important during winter to be able to see the roads conditions clearly
• Map or Satnav - in case you get stuck somewhere and don't know your way home
• Torch - to make sure you can have a good look at your vehicle and surroundings if it is dark
• Shovel - to dig your car out if you get stuck in the snow
• Shovel or grit - to provide grip under stuck tyres
• Tow rope - to pull your car or someone else's out if stuck in snow

Mobile phone and charger

It is even more important during the winter months that you have a fully charged mobile phone to call for help in case of emergencies. It is a good idea to always keep a USB charger in your car so you can charge your phone.

Remember using your phone whilst driving is illegal, so always make sure you are parked up with the engine switched off.

Food and water

It is a good idea to keep some emergency food and water in the glove compartment or boot of your car in case you get stuck for long periods of time.

Things like high-protein cereal bars, chocolate bars, crackers all have a good shelf life and will keep the hunger at bay during emergencies.

It is also vital that your car is ready for winter. Here is our guide to the things to check.

• Tyres - Most UK cars come fitted with summer tyres, so consider changing to winter or all-weather tyres. While the legal minimum is 1.6mm, no less than 3mm is recommended for winter driving.

• Antifreeze - check coolant and top up if low.

• Battery - A flat battery is the most common cause of winter breakdowns. The local garage will be able to check it.

• Fuel - Keep at least a quarter of a tank in case of unexpected hold-ups.

• Lights - Carry spare bulbs and make sure all lights are clean and working.

• Windscreen - Renew worn wiper blades and clean windscreen inside and out. Don’t try and clear a frozen windscreen with wipers as it can damage the rubber. Don’t defrost your windscreen by pouring boiling or hot water on it as it could crack.

• Screen wash - Use a 50 per cent mix of good quality screen wash to stop it from freezing.

• Locks and seals - Stop doors freezing shut by using Vaseline or similar on rubber door seals.

You can get most of the items at you local supermarket, Halfords or on Amazon if you don't have them already. Stay safe this winter.